Defence Minister Hails Tinubu’s 30–80% Salary Increase for Armed Forces
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a 30 to 80 per cent salary increase for personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, describing the decision as a historic boost to military welfare and operational morale.
The salary adjustment, which takes effect from September 1, 2026, is expected to benefit approximately 250,000 military personnel across the services.
Under the new structure, junior personnel from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant will receive an 80 per cent increase, while middle-ranking officers and non-commissioned officers from Warrant Officer to Colonel will receive a 50 per cent increase. Senior military officers will receive a 30 per cent salary increase.
Musa, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, said the approval demonstrated the President’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel and strengthening the country’s security architecture.
The minister said the salary review would serve as a significant morale booster for personnel serving in various operational theatres across the country.
“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has once again demonstrated unwavering leadership and empathy for the brave men and women who put their lives on the line daily to preserve the peace and territorial integrity of our nation,” Musa said.
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He noted that the salary adjustment would increase the annual personnel cost of the Armed Forces from N660 billion to N924 billion.
According to the minister, the improved remuneration would have a positive impact on troops engaged in counter-insurgency operations in the North-East, as well as personnel confronting banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other security threats across the country.
“This will resonate across every theatre of operation; from those confronting insurgency in the North East to troops tackling banditry, oil theft, and kidnapping across the country,” he said.
Musa assured the President and Nigerians that the military would respond to the welfare intervention with renewed commitment, discipline and improved operational effectiveness.
He urged officers and soldiers to regard the enhanced conditions of service as a renewed call to duty and to redouble their efforts to protect civilians, counter national security threats and restore stability across the country.
The minister also reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to supporting the administration’s efforts to modernise military equipment, expand technological capabilities and improve the standard of living of Armed Forces personnel and their families.
The salary review is expected to form part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen military welfare while enhancing the operational capacity of the Armed Forces to respond effectively to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
By PRNigeria
